Although the sounds of tactical vehicles, jet engines and Marine Corps running cadences fill the air station, there is a place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life just minutes away.
Wedged in between Tierrasanta, Santee, La Mesa and MCAS Miramar lies Mission Trails; a 5,800-acre regional park that offers beginner through advanced hiking, biking, rock-climbing, equestrian and jogging trails, as well as fishing, wildlife-watching and guided tours.
Although the trek to Mission Trails is a quick car ride away, it offers a very different view of San Diego, as if seeing it hundreds of years before the city was built. The picturesque landscape offers diverse habitats of chaparral, oak woodlands, grasslands and sage scrub, as well as aquatic habitats like Lake Murray, the San Diego River and its offshoots.
With over 40 miles of trails through the park, there is a lot to see and do. Although it could be enjoyed in smaller trips, the park offers campgrounds for weekends of exploration.
It also offers a great escape from the noises of the city and urban life, and the land has a history as rich as its scenery. The area known as Mission Trails has been a site for human residence and recreation for more than 10,000 years. An ancient culture known as the San Dieguito Paleo-Indians are the earliest documented inhabitants, and more than 2,000 years ago the Kumeyaay came to San Diego from the Colorado River Region. While trekking throughout the park, visitors can stumble upon at least 26 different archaeological sites from Kumeyaay dwelling sites, work areas and spiritual locations.
Although strolling through the the native chaparral and sage scrub can bring to mind visions of ancient American Indians and early Spanish missionaries exploring the land, it also has an interesting history of military use. Mission Trails is a part of what was once Camp Elliot, named after the Marine Corps tenth commandant. During World War II, Camp Elliot became the home of the fleet Marine Force Training Center West Coast for the training of individual combat duty replacements headed overseas, including artillery, anti-aircraft and machine-gun firing practice. During World War II, the Navajo Code was initiated at Camp Elliot. The Navajo Code was utilized by Navajo soldiers who used their own language to radio vital messages during the island-hopping campaign in World War II. In 1944, Marines were transferred to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, and the Navy and Air Force trained on the grounds through the Korean War.
Another aspect of the park that is abundant in history and beauty is the Old Mission Dam. Although it now stands a little weathered, at one time it was the main water source for the Mission San Diego de Alcala, which was California’s first mission. The 244-foot long, 13-foot wide dam was constructed of stone and cement on exposed bedrock across the head of Mission Gorge. The trail to the dam is a beginner-level hike with no real rough terrain.
Mission Trails has a visitor’s center at the entrance of the park to learn more about the park’s history, natural plants and animals, and the destinations and activities available. They also offer guided tours throughout the month.
Although the stress of work, school and life can be overwhelming at times, Mission Trails offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and a chance to get back in tune with nature.
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